Roselle archaeological site is open to public from 8.30 to sunset everyday.
For info, call 0564/402403. Grosseto Museum is now being restored.
Proceeding 8km. along the road from Grosseto to Siena one reaches Roselle 's Archaeological Park. Characterised by a complex archaeological stratification and surrounded by fascinating natural
environment Roselle has been called the Etruscan Pompei. It constitutes, in fact, an extremely interesting field of research insofar as it contains conspicuous remains of not only Roman and medieval urban settlements (most of the excavations up till now are related to the Roman era), but also of the Etruscan period.
The ongoing excavations have uncovered urban areas dating back to the VII-VI century B.C. of great importance considering the scarsity of archaeological evidence regarding Etruscan town settlements.
Founded in the VII century B.C. not far from the sea overlooking Lake Prile, which no longer exists, the city was extremely wealthy due to its privileged geographical position. Most of the walls, which stretched round the town for 3 kms., are still intact.
Situated on the boundary between the territories of Vetulonia, Vulci, Volterra, Arezzo and Chiusi, Roselle was an important centre of communication between south and north Etruria. It maintained this enviable position until conquered by the Romans in 294 B.C. followed by period of decline. With the "Lex Iulia" (90 B.C.) the inhabitants of Roselle obtained Roman citizenship. During the civil war this town, like many others in Etruria favourable to Marius, was caught up in the destruction perpetrated by Silla's followers.
In imperial times (1st century A.D.) there was an important renewal of building activity evidenced by the buildings which we day, together with a socio-economic revival.
Despite the decrease in population during the late Imperial age Roselle became the seat of the Diocese in 499 A.D. From the end of the 6th century onwards it was one of the byzantine strongholds of Tuscia until the Longobards conquered it in the 7th century,
It was then the seat of the Aldobrandeschi county. In 1138 it lost its status as bishop's seat which was transferred to Grosseto.
The town, however, was inhabited, albeit sporadically, until the 16th century. Several tombs of the VII-VI century B.C. Etruscan necropolis flank the road leading from the valley to the entrance to the site (the road which leads to the car park). The enormous city walls, among the most well-preserved and most ancient in the whole of Etruria, are particularly fascinating.
Stretching for over 3 kms. the walls were built in the VI century B.C. using enormous blocks of irregular stone and were restored in various periods throughout history.
To reach the actual excavation site from the car park one climbs uphill along a small path. On the left the most recent excavations can be seen while on the right the old road winds upwards.
This road was brought to light from under several metres of earth and can be walked on.
Continuing to follow the road uphill one reaches a large fountain with double basin which is where the Roman paved road begins. Built in the age of Augustus it is well-preserved and can probably be considered the "decumanus".
Continuing up-hill we arrive at the present fenced excavation site.
environment Roselle has been called the Etruscan Pompei. It constitutes, in fact, an extremely interesting field of research insofar as it contains conspicuous remains of not only Roman and medieval urban settlements (most of the excavations up till now are related to the Roman era), but also of the Etruscan period. 
Situated on the boundary between the territories of Vetulonia, Vulci, Volterra, Arezzo and Chiusi, Roselle was an important centre of communication between south and north Etruria. It maintained this enviable position until conquered by the Romans in 294 B.C. followed by period of decline. With the "Lex Iulia" (90 B.C.) the inhabitants of Roselle obtained Roman citizenship. During the civil war this town, like many others in Etruria favourable to Marius, was caught up in the destruction perpetrated by Silla's followers.
In imperial times (1st century A.D.) there was an 
important renewal of building activity evidenced by the buildings which we day, together with a socio-economic revival.
Despite the decrease in population during the late Imperial age Roselle became the seat of the Diocese in 499 A.D. From the end of the 6th century onwards it was one of the byzantine strongholds of Tuscia until the Longobards conquered it in the 7th century,
It was then the seat of the
To reach the actual excavation site from the car park one climbs uphill along a small path. On the left the most recent excavations can be seen while on the right the old road winds upwards.
This road was brought to light from under several metres of earth and can be walked on.
Continuing to follow the road uphill one reaches a large fountain with double basin which is where the Roman paved road begins. Built in the age of Augustus it is well-preserved and can probably be considered the "decumanus".
Continuing up-hill we arrive at the present fenced excavation site.
